Wreaths Across America's Only PA Stop Is In Delaware County

NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA — This year, Wreaths Across America’s annual "Escort to Arlington" parade will make one stop in Pennsylvania, and that happens to be in Newtown Square.

The parade will begin on Saturday, Dec. 10 in West Quoddy, Maine and end at Arlington National Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 17.

This year’s route was recently announced, with its only Pennsylvania stop planned for the Delaware County Veterans Memorial in Newtown Square at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 15.

“We are truly honored to welcome Wreaths Across America to the Delaware County Veterans Memorial,” said Ralph Galati, Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association Board Member, Air Force veteran, and former POW. “As we are the only stop in Pennsylvania, we encourage all community members to join us at the Memorial for a very special event to welcome Wreaths Across America on the morning of December 15.”

The Delaware County Veterans Memorial will host a patriotic ceremony, open to the public, that will include the laying of wreaths, musical performances, and moving remarks from local Veterans.

Wreaths Across America will have their Mobile Education Exhibit on site as well to help educate local youth.

Participants for this year’s Escort to Arlington will include Gold Star Families — including the National President of American Gold Star Mothers Inc. Sarah Whitehouse Taylor — Blue Star Families, volunteers, and veterans representing many eras and local Veteran Service Organizations such as the VFW, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, VFW Auxiliary, and the American Legion Auxiliary, and more.

Members of the Patriot Guard Riders and Patriot Riders, and law enforcement from departments across many states along the route will provide escort to ensure safe transport for all participants throughout the week.

The wreaths’ journey to Arlington has become a tradition in itself, allowing locals along the route to share in the emotional and educational experience as the WAA convoy passes through their hometown.

Wreath’s Across America’s full route can be viewed here, with the 55-plus vehicle convoy traveling down the East Coast stopping at schools, memorials, and other locations along the way to spread the year-long mission to remember the fallen, honor those that serve and their families, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.

"For me the Escort to Arlington is the culmination of another year of sharing the mission to Remember, Honor and Teach across this country. I say it every year, but it is truly an experience of a lifetime," said Karen Worcester, Executive Director, WAA. "The way the mission and these families and veterans are welcomed into communities, with flags waving and streets lined with children and grateful Americans, is something we always wished every person could witness. This year we’re hoping that supporters will once again join us in safely lining the roadways and welcoming the escort into their communities."

Visit the Delaware County Veterans Memorial website here or email info@delcoveteransmemorial.com to learn more about the event and how to get involved.

The Delaware County Veterans Memorial is located at 4599 West Chester Pike in Newtown Square.